Macron calls for Christmas truce in French pension strikes

Sunday, 22 December 2019 15:02

French President Emmanuel Macron has appealed to transport unions to suspend strikes during the Christmas holidays.

“Strike action is justifiable and protected by the constitution, but I think there are moments in a nation’s life when it is good to observe a truce out of respect for families and family life,” Macron said.

He added that the brief suspension would not mean unions abandoned their demands, instead, it would show a "sense of responsibility and the respect owed to French people".

A two-week nationwide strike against Macron's pension overhaul is set to disrupt travel for hundreds of thousands of people during the holiday season.

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